Career Timeline of Michael Smerconish: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Michael Smerconish, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael Smerconish is an American radio host, television presenter, political commentator, author, and lawyer. He currently hosts 'The Michael Smerconish Program' on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel and a weekly show on CNN and CNN International. Previously a columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Smerconish has also written seven books. He also works as counsel at the law firm Kline & Specter in Philadelphia.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1980: Political Activities at Lehigh University

In 1980, Michael Smerconish's father unsuccessfully ran for the Pennsylvania state legislature, with Smerconish helping on the campaign. That same year, Smerconish founded Youth for Reagan/Bush at Lehigh University, marking the beginning of his active involvement in Republican politics.

1986: Managed Arlen Specter's Campaign

In 1986, Smerconish managed the Philadelphia campaign for U.S. Senator Arlen Specter's re-election, marking a significant role in his early political career.

1987: Political Director for Frank Rizzo's Mayoral Bid

In 1987, Michael Smerconish served as political director for Frank Rizzo's unsuccessful mayoral bid, continuing his involvement in Philadelphia politics.

1990: First Radio Appearance

In the spring of 1990, Michael Smerconish made his first radio appearance as a guest on Philadelphia's 96.5 FM WWDB, starting his career in radio broadcasting.

1992: Practicing Law with James E. Beasley, Sr.

Following George H. W. Bush's election loss in 1992, Michael Smerconish spent a decade practicing law with James E. Beasley, Sr., specializing in complex tort litigation, representing clients like the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police and boxer Orlin Norris.

1993: Own Sunday Night Program

By 1993, Michael Smerconish hosted his own Sunday night program on Philadelphia's 96.5 FM WWDB, balancing this with his legal career.

1996: Moved to Weekend Mornings on WWDB

Following Dominic Quinn's death in 1996, Michael Smerconish moved to weekend mornings on Philadelphia's 96.5 FM WWDB, continuing his radio career.

1997: Leaves WWDB

In 1997, Michael Smerconish left Philadelphia's 96.5 FM WWDB when the station began airing infomercials disguised as programs.

2003: Takes Over Morning Slot at WPHT

In 2003, Michael Smerconish took over the morning slot at CBS affiliate WPHT after Don Imus was fired, marking a significant step in his radio career.

2004: Publication of 'Flying Blind'

In 2004, Michael Smerconish authored "Flying Blind: How Political Correctness Continues to Compromise Airline Safety Post 9/11," donating all proceeds to a 9/11 memorial. The book stemmed from his interest in the 9/11 Commission's investigation.

2007: Hosting and Substituting on MSNBC

In 2007, Michael Smerconish hosted Don Imus's time slot on MSNBC following Imus's firing and later became a regular substitute for Chris Matthews on Hardball, gaining national television exposure.

2007: Publication of 'Muzzled' and 'Murdered by Mumia'

In 2007, Michael Smerconish released two books: "Muzzled: From T-Ball to Terrorism," which became a New York Times bestseller, and "Murdered by Mumia," co-written with Maureen Faulkner, with proceeds donated to a charitable fund for Faulkner.

October 19, 2008: Endorsement of Barack Obama

On October 19, 2008, Michael Smerconish endorsed Barack Obama for president after previously supporting only Republican candidates, citing the Republican Party's failure to capture Osama bin Laden and calling for moderation on social issues.

February 2009: Radio Show Goes National

In February 2009, Michael Smerconish's radio show went into national syndication, expanding his reach and audience.

August 20, 2009: Interview with President Barack Obama

On August 20, 2009, Michael Smerconish became the first talk radio host to interview President Barack Obama live from the White House, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2009: Publication of 'Morning Drive' and 'Instinct'

In 2009, Michael Smerconish published "Morning Drive: Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Talking," reflecting on his career, and "Instinct: The Man Who Stopped the 20th Hijacker," donating proceeds from the latter to the Flight 93 National Memorial.

2010: Leaves the Republican Party

In 2010, Smerconish announced he had left the Republican Party, marking a shift in his political affiliation and leading to commentators noting his move to the political center.

2013: Move to Sirius XM's POTUS Channel

In 2013, Michael Smerconish moved his radio show to Sirius XM's POTUS Channel, citing his desire for nonpartisan discussions.

2014: Hosts "Smerconish" on CNN

In 2014, Michael Smerconish left MSNBC to host his own program on CNN titled "Smerconish", which airs on Saturdays.

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2014: Publication of 'Talk: A Novel'

In 2014, Michael Smerconish's first fictional book, "Talk: A Novel", was published, exploring the rise of a conservative talk show host. Warner Horizon Television optioned the rights to the novel.

2018: Publication of 'Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right'

In 2018, Michael Smerconish published "Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right", a compilation of his columns, donating proceeds to the Children's Crisis Treatment Center and later developing a one-man show based on the book.

July 2020: Release of Autobiographical Film

In July 2020, Michael Smerconish released an autobiographical, one-man film titled "Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Talking", which initially aired on CNN and then became a special on Hulu to mark his 30 years in talk radio.

2024: Release of Smercomics 2024

In 2024, Michael Smerconish released "Smercomics 2024", a collection of political cartoons about the 2024 U.S. presidential election, raising $200,000 for the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center. Only 10,000 copies were printed, and the edition sold out quickly.

July 15, 2025: Lawsuit Filed Against Pennsylvania

On July 15, 2025, Michael Smerconish, along with Jeffery Doty, Rachel Shanok, and David Thornburgh, filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to allow independently registered voters to participate in the state’s primary elections, asserting a violation of their voting rights.